Pluggable optical modules with blind mate optical connectors and particular opto-electronic configuration

ABSTRACT

Aspects include a pluggable optical device and related optical system. The pluggable optical device comprises a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) within the housing, and one or more blind mate optical connectors attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB. The pluggable optical device further comprises one or more electrical contacts of the PCB near the first end, one or more external optical connectors arranged near a second end of the PCB opposite the first end, and one or more optical components attached to the PCB and included in optical paths extending between the one or more external optical connectors and the one or more blind mate optical connectors.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims benefit of U.S. provisional patent applicationSer. No. 63/199,825, filed Jan. 27, 2021. The aforementioned relatedpatent application is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Embodiments presented in this disclosure generally relate to co-packagedoptics (CPO) applications, and more specifically, to pluggable opticalmodules for CPO applications.

BACKGROUND

Co-packaged optics (CPO) applications have the potential for lower powerand lower cost implementations, but tighter integration of the opticstends to create some operational challenges. For traditional CPOapplications, users tend to have reduced flexibility for opticalinterfaces after the installation of the network equipment. Lasers,commonly used with CPO applications, may also present thermal challengeswhen co-located with other optical hardware. Further, the lasers canpose a reliability risk, which tends to compound within increasingnumbers of lasers.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above-recited features of the presentdisclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description ofthe disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference toembodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. Itis to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate typicalembodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting; otherequally effective embodiments are contemplated.

FIG. 1 is a network device supporting multiple pluggable opticalmodules, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 2 illustrates coupling a pluggable optical module with a networkdevice, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 illustrates coupling two pluggable optical modules in a stackedconfiguration with a network device, according to one or moreembodiments.

FIGS. 4A and 4B provide views of a pluggable optical module configuredas a laser module unit with multiple remote laser sources, according toone or more embodiments.

FIGS. 5A and 5B provide views of a pluggable optical module configuredas an optical conditioning unit with a fanout device, according to oneor more embodiments.

FIG. 6 provides a view of a pluggable optical module configured as ahybrid laser module and optical conditioning unit, according to one ormore embodiments.

FIGS. 7A and 7B provide views of a network device with multiple lasermodule units, according to one or more embodiments.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a sequence of assembling and coupling a host-sideconnector assembly with connectors of a pluggable optical module,according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 9 illustrates a connector assembly having an opening through anendface, according to one or more embodiments.

FIG. 10 illustrates a connector assembly having an I-shaped endface,according to one or more embodiments.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have beenused, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common tothe figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in oneembodiment may be beneficially used in other embodiments withoutspecific recitation.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Overview

One embodiment presented in this disclosure is a pluggable opticaldevice comprising a housing, a printed circuit board (PCB) within thehousing, and one or more blind mate optical connectors attached to thePCB along a first end of the PCB. The pluggable optical device furthercomprises one or more electrical contacts of the PCB near the first end,one or more external optical connectors arranged near a second end ofthe PCB opposite the first end, and one or more optical componentsattached to the PCB and included in optical paths extending between theone or more external optical connectors and the one or more blind mateoptical connectors.

Another embodiment presented in this disclosure is an optical systemcomprising a printed circuit board (PCB), a photonic integrated circuit(IC) attached to the PCB, and a cage attached to the PCB along a firstend of the PCB. The cage is configured to receive a pluggable opticaldevice. The optical system further comprises a connector assemblyconfigured to, when the pluggable optical device is received in thecage, couple with a plurality of blind mate optical connectors arrangedalong a second end of a pluggable optical device. One or more opticalcomponents of the pluggable optical device are coupled with the photonicIC. When the pluggable optical device is received in the cage, theconnector assembly is further configured to couple with one or moreelectrical contacts arranged near the second end.

Example Embodiments

Embodiments discussed herein includes a pluggable optical device (alsoreferred to as a “pluggable optical module”) comprising a housing, aprinted circuit board (PCB) within the housing, one or more blind mateoptical connectors attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB, andone or more electrical contacts of the PCB near the first end. Thepluggable optical device further comprises one or more external opticalconnectors attached to the PCB along a second end of the PCB oppositethe first end, and one or more optical components attached to the PCB.The one or more optical components are included in optical pathsextending between the one or more external optical connectors and theone or more blind mate optical connectors.

The blind mate optical connector(s) may be attached to a top side of thePCB, and the electrical contact(s) may be arranged at a bottom side ofthe PCB. In some embodiments, the electrical contact(s) comprise an edgeconnector configured to couple with elastically-biased contact(s) of ahost device. As the pluggable optical device is plugged into the hostdevice, the mechanical housing (or cage) of the host device, inconjunction with the housing of the pluggable optical module, ensuresthat the optical connector(s) are suitably engaged as the electricalcontact(s) are also engaged. The electrical contact(s) may communicatepower and/or signals between the host device and the pluggable opticaldevice. For example, the electrical contact(s) may be USB-style or othersuitable configuration to deliver power and management signals to thepluggable optical device.

The pluggable optical device may be configured to operate as a lasermodule unit (including one or more remote laser sources), an opticalconditioning unit that provides one or more optical functions to opticalsignals carried through the pluggable optical device on optical fibers,or a hybrid laser module and optical conditioning unit. Beneficially,using remote laser source(s) in the pluggable optical device addressesheating concerns by spacing the remote laser source(s) away from otheroptical hardware of the CPO, and allows the remote laser source(s) to beeasily replaced to address reliability concerns.

The electrical connector(s) and optical connector(s) of the pluggableoptical device are arranged to enable high system density, e.g.,stacking of multiple pluggable optical modules. The high system densitysupports existing system integration techniques for power and cooling.The pluggable optical device and host device may use any suitabledimensioning, whether standardized dimensioning such as Quad SmallForm-Factor Pluggable Double Density (QSFP-DD), Octal Small Form-FactorPluggable (OSFP), or proprietary dimensioning.

A conventional pluggable form factor device used as a laser source for aco-packaged optics-based system may include electrical connectors on thehost side of the PCB, and an external optical connector arranged at thefaceplate. The conventional pluggable optical device provides opticalenergy (e.g., power and/or signals) to the host device through theexternal optical connector, a patchcord, and another connector at thefaceplate. Beneficially, by including the blind mate opticalconnector(s), the pluggable optical device preserves faceplate area forother functions (additional pluggable optical devices, air intakes,etc.) and tends to have lower optical losses overall.

FIG. 1 is a network device 100 supporting multiple pluggable opticalmodules, according to one or more embodiments. The network device 100may be a CPO device providing any suitable networking functionality,such as switching or routing.

The network device 100 comprises a housing 105 within which componentsof the network device 100 are housed. The housing 105 may be formed ofany suitable material(s) and may have any suitable dimensioning. In someembodiments, the housing 105 has a standardized dimensioning such thatthe network device 100 is rack-mountable.

In some embodiments, the housing 105 comprises a system PCB (or hostPCB) that includes electronic components and optical components, andthat couples with pluggable optical devices that are plugged intoopenings 120-1, 120-2, . . . , 120-16, which are defined by a faceplate110 of the housing 105. The openings 120-1, 120-2, . . . , 120-16 arearranged as pairs 115-1, 115-2, . . . , 115-8 in a “stacked”configuration (as shown, a vertical arrangement of the respectiveopenings 120-1, 120-2, . . . , 120-16). In this way, the network device100 may support a stacked configuration of pluggable optical deviceswith each pair 115-1, 115-2, . . . , 115-8

The faceplate 110 further defines multiple air intakes 125, 130 thatsupport air flow through the housing 105 to remove heat from the variouscomponents of the network device 100. In some embodiments, the networkdevice 100 further comprises one or more fans that draw air into thehousing 105 through the air intakes 125, 130. The air intakes 125, 130may have any suitable dimensioning and arrangement. For example, the airintake 125 between pairs 115-1, 115-2 has a first sizing, and the airintake between 115-4, 115-5 has a second sizing greater than the firstsizing. As shown, the air intake 130 has a central position on thefaceplate 110 while the air intakes 125 are between adjacent pairs115-1, 115-2, . . . , 115-8 away from the central position.

FIG. 2 illustrates coupling a pluggable optical module with a networkdevice, according to one or more embodiments. The features illustratedin diagram 200 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g.,using the network device 100 of FIG. 1 .

In the diagram 200, a pluggable optical module 205 is inserted into anopening 120 of the network device (also referred to as a “host device”).The openings 120-1, 120-2, . . . , 120-16 of FIG. 1 may be consideredinstances of the opening 120. The pluggable optical module 205 comprisesa housing 210, a PCB 215 within the housing 210, one or more blind mateoptical connectors 220 attached to the PCB 215 along a first end of thePCB 215 (e.g., a lead edge of the PCB 215 as inserted into the opening120), and one or more electrical contacts 225 attached to the PCB 215near the first end. In some embodiments, the network device provideselectrical power and/or signals to the pluggable optical module 205using the one or more electrical contacts 225.

The housing 210 may have any suitable dimensioning for being receivedinto the opening 120. Although not shown, the network device may includea cage or other structure that is dimensioned to receive the pluggableoptical module 205 therein. In some embodiments, the housing 210 iscontoured to slide into and out of the network device through theopening 120. The housing 210 may have a standardized dimensioning (e.g.,to comply with QSFP-DD), or may have a proprietary dimensioning.

The one or more blind mate optical connectors 220 and the one or moreelectrical contacts 225 may have any suitable dimensioning. Somenon-limiting examples of the blind mate optical connector(s) 220 includeMechanical Transfer (MT), Multiple-Fiber Push-On/Pull-Off (MPO, MTP),SN, and so forth. In some embodiments, each of the blind mate opticalconnector(s) 220 comprises one or more ferrules that couple with aplurality of optical fibers. In some embodiments, the one or moreelectrical contacts 225 comprise an edge connector having one or moreconductive traces.

In some embodiments, the one or more blind mate optical connectors 220are attached to a top side of the PCB 215, and the one or moreelectrical contacts 225 are attached to a bottom side of the PCB 215. Insome embodiments, the one or more electrical contacts 225 couple withelectrical contacts 245 on the host device side, which in some cases maybe elastically biased.

The host device comprises a host PCB 240, one or more connectors 230attached to the host PCB 240, and one or more optical fibers 235 coupledwith the connector 230. In some embodiments, each of the one or moreconnectors 230 is formed of a single component. In other embodiments,each of the one or more connectors 230 may be a connector assemblyformed of multiple components. The one or more connectors 230 areconfigured to receive the one or more blind mate optical connectors 220,which aligns one or more optical components of the pluggable opticalmodule 205 into a coupled configuration with the one or more opticalfibers 235. In some embodiments, the one or more connectors 230 retainthe one or more blind mate optical connectors 220 in the coupledconfiguration.

In the coupled configuration, the electrical contacts 245 are coupledwith the one or more electrical contacts 225. In some embodiments, thecompliance of the electrical contacts 245 (when elastically biased)accommodates the alignment of the one or more connectors 230 with theone or more blind mate optical connectors 220. As shown, the electricalcontacts 245 are attached to the host PCB 240. In alternateimplementations, the electrical contacts 245 are attached to the one ormore connectors 230. The connector 230 may include electrical contactson a bottom side of the connector 230 that couple with correspondingelectrical contacts on a top side of the host PCB 240 when the connector230 is attached to the host PCB 240.

FIG. 3 illustrates coupling two pluggable optical modules in a stackedconfiguration with a network device, according to one or moreembodiments. The features illustrated in diagram 300 may be used inconjunction with other embodiments, e.g., using the network device 100of FIG. 1 .

In the diagram 300, a first pluggable optical module 205-1 is insertedinto an upper opening 120-1 of the pair 115-1, and a second pluggableoptical module 205-2 is inserted into a lower opening 120-2. The networkdevice comprises a cage 305 that is attached to the host PCB 240, andthat defines the upper opening 120-1 and the lower opening 120-2.

One or more additional components of the host device may be attached tothe cage 305. In some embodiments, a connector assembly 310 is attachedto the cage 305, and comprises a first connector 230-1 aligned with theupper opening 120-1, and a second connector 230-2 aligned with the loweropening 120-2. Each of the connectors 230-1, 230-2 represents oneexample of the connector 230 of FIG. 2 , and in some cases may besimilarly configured to each other. The connectors 230-1, 230-2 may beconnected into the connector assembly 310 using any suitable techniques.In alternate embodiments, the first connector 230-1 and the secondconnector 230-2 are separate from each other.

A heat sink 315 is attached to a top of the cage 305 and extends partlyinto the interior volume of the cage 305. The heat sink 315 thermallycouples with the first pluggable optical module 205-1, e.g., bycontacting the top of the cage of the first pluggable optical module205-1 when the first pluggable optical module 205-1 is inserted into theupper opening 120-1. A heat sink 320 is attached to the cage 305 andextends partly into the interior volume of the cage 305. The heat sink320 thermally couples with the second pluggable optical module 205-2,e.g., by contacting the top of the cage of the second pluggable opticalmodule 205-2 when the second pluggable optical module 205-2 is insertedinto the lower opening 120-2. In some embodiments, the heat sink 315 isconfigured as a top heat sink, and the heat sink 320 is configured as anintegrated riding heat sink.

FIGS. 4A and 4B provide views of a pluggable optical module 405configured as a laser module unit with multiple laser sources, accordingto one or more embodiments. More specifically, diagram 400 of FIG. 4Aprovides a top view of the pluggable optical module 405, and diagram 445of FIG. 4B provides an end view of blind mate optical connectors 420-1,. . . , 420-4 of the pluggable optical module 405. The featuresillustrated in diagrams 400, 445 may be used in conjunction with otherembodiments. For example, the pluggable optical module 405 representsone possible implementation of the pluggable optical module 205 of FIG.2 and may be inserted into, e.g., the host devices illustrated in FIGS.2 and 3 .

In the diagram 400, the pluggable optical module 405 comprises a housing410, and a PCB 415 arranged in the housing 410 and attached to thehousing 410. The pluggable optical module 405 further comprises aplurality of blind mate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4 attachedto a top side of the PCB 415 along a first end of the PCB 415, and aplurality of electrical contacts 425-1, . . . , 425-5 arranged at abottom side of the PCB 415 near the first end. Although four (4) blindmate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4 and five (5) electricalcontacts 425-1, . . . , 425-5 are shown, other numbers and placements ofthese are also contemplated. For example, the plurality of electricalcontacts 425-1, . . . , 425-5 may be arranged at a top side of the PCB415.

The pluggable optical module 405 further comprises a plurality of lasersources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4 that receive electrical powerprovided by the host device via one or more of the electrical contacts425-1, . . . , 425-5. The laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4generate and deliver optical energy to the host device via the blindmate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4. As shown, the laser source430-1 includes multiple laser channels coupled to the blind mate opticalconnector 420-1 via multiple optical fibers, the laser source 430-2 iscoupled to the blind mate optical connector 420-2 via multiple opticalfibers, and so forth.

The pluggable optical module 405 further comprises a plurality ofelectronic components that are attached to the PCB 415 and that receivethe electrical power provided by the host device. As shown, theplurality of electronic components comprise a microcontroller 440 andthree (3) DC-DC converters 435-1, 435-2, 435-3, although otherarrangements of electronic components are also contemplated. In someembodiments, the DC-DC converters 435-1, 435-2, 435-3 convert a voltagelevel of the received electrical power to voltage levels suitable forthe laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4. In some embodiments, themicrocontroller 440 receives input signals from the host device via oneor more of the electrical contacts 425-1, . . . , 425-4, and generatescontrol signals to operate the DC-DC converters 435-1, 435-2, 435-3and/or the laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4.

The plurality of laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4 and theplurality of electronic components may have any suitable arrangement onthe PCB 415. As shown, the electronic components are generally arrangedalong a centerline of the PCB 415, and the laser sources 430-1, 430-2,430-3, 430-4 are arranged laterally outward from the electroniccomponents. Beneficially, the arrangement may support routing of thevarious optical fibers through the pluggable optical module 405.

The small form factor of the pluggable optical module 405 accommodatesknown system integration and thermal cooling techniques. As mentionedabove, the pluggable optical module 405 is configured to operate as alaser module unit. The pluggable nature of the pluggable optical module405 beneficially permits a degraded or failed laser source 430-1, 430-2,430-3, 430-4 to be easily replaced (e.g., hot-swapped). Routing theoptical energy from the laser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4 to theblind mate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4 ensures that thepluggable optical module 405 is eye-safe to a user of the system. Theblind mate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4 of the pluggableoptical module 405 also provide lower optical losses, when compared withrouting optical energy to the host device through external patchcords.

FIGS. 5A and 5B provide views of a pluggable optical module 505configured as an optical conditioning unit with a fanout device 535,according to one or more embodiments. More specifically, diagram 500 ofFIG. 5A provides a top view of the pluggable optical module 505, anddiagram 555 of FIG. 5B provides an end view of external opticalconnectors 515-1, 515-2 of the pluggable optical module 505. Thefeatures illustrated in diagrams 500, 555 may be used in conjunctionwith other embodiments. For example, the pluggable optical module 505represents one possible implementation of the pluggable optical module205 of FIG. 2 and may be inserted into, e.g., the host devicesillustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

In the diagram 500, the pluggable optical module 505 comprises a housing510, and a PCB 520 arranged in the housing 510 and attached to thehousing 510. The pluggable optical module 505 further comprises theblind mate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4 attached to a topside of the PCB 520 along a first end of the PCB 520, and a plurality ofelectrical contacts 425-1, . . . , 425-5 arranged at a bottom side ofthe PCB 520 near the first end.

The pluggable optical module 505 further comprises two (2) externaloptical connectors 515-1, 515-2 arranged near a second end of the PCB520 opposite the first end. As shown, the external optical connectors515-1, 515-2 extend through the housing 510 and are in a stackedconfiguration. In alternate implementations, one or more of the externaloptical connectors 515-1, 515-2 may be attached to the PCB 520 near thesecond end. The external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 may have anysuitable dimensioning. Some non-limiting examples of the externaloptical connectors 515-1, 515-2 include Mechanical Transfer (MT),Multiple-Fiber Push-On/Pull-Off (MPO, MTP), SN, and so forth. In someembodiments, each of the external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2comprises a plurality of ferrules that couple with a plurality ofoptical fibers.

The pluggable optical module 505 further comprises one or more opticalcomponents that are attached to the PCB 520 and that are included inoptical paths extending between the one or more external opticalconnectors 515-1, 515-2 and the blind mate optical connectors 420-1, . .. , 420-4. As shown in the diagram 500, the one or more opticalcomponents comprise a fanout device 535.

Other optical components of the pluggable optical module 505 need not beattached to the PCB 520. For example, a plurality of single mode opticalfibers 540 couples the fanout device 535 with a first connector 515-1 ofthe one or more external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 and a multicoreoptical fiber 530 couples the fanout device 535 with a second connector420-4 of the one or more blind mate optical connectors 420-1, . . . ,420-4. Additionally, one or more single mode optical fibers 525-1 extendbetween the external optical connectors 515-1 and the blind mate opticalconnector 420-2, and one or more single mode optical fibers 525-2 extendbetween the external optical connector 515-1 and the blind mate opticalconnector 420-3.

The pluggable optical module 505 further comprises a plurality ofelectronic components that are attached to the PCB 520 and that receivethe electrical power provided by the host device. As shown, theplurality of electronic components comprise a microcontroller 550 and aDC-DC converter 545, although other arrangements of electroniccomponents are also contemplated.

As mentioned above, the pluggable optical module 505 is configured tooperate as an optical conditioning unit. While a single fanout device535 is depicted for simplicity, the pluggable optical module 505 maycomprise passive optical components and/or active optical components(i.e., that receive electrical power from the host device via one ormore of the electrical contacts 425-1, . . . , 425-5) to provide anyother suitable optical conditioning functionality. The opticalconditioning may be performed on optical signals propagating through thepluggable optical module 505 in any direction (whether the opticalsignals are input at the external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 or atthe blind mate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4). In someembodiments, the pluggable optical module 505 comprises one or moreactive optical components, which comprise one or more of an opticalamplifier, an optical attenuator, an optical filter, an opticaldispersion controller, an optical multiplexer, an optical demultiplexer,an optical switch, and an optical repeater.

The small form factor of the pluggable optical module 505 accommodatesknown system integration and thermal cooling techniques. By includingthe external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2, the pluggable opticalmodule 505 effectively permits the faceplate of the host device to bereconfigurable, allowing users to specify optical fiber connectors,pigtails, and so forth. Further, a higher density of the faceplate ismade possible by the combination of the electrical contacts 425-1, . . ., 425-5 and the blind mate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4 at asame end of the pluggable optical module 505. Further, the pluggableoptical module 505 provides a compact and protected optical fiber fanoutfunctionality (or any suitable alternate optical conditioningfunctionality) that is also field replaceable.

FIG. 6 provides a view of a pluggable optical module 605 configured as ahybrid laser module and optical conditioning unit, according to one ormore embodiments. More specifically, the diagram 600 provides a top viewof the pluggable optical module 605. The features illustrated in thediagrams 600 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments. Forexample, the pluggable optical module 605 represents one possibleimplementation of the pluggable optical module 205 of FIG. 2 and may beinserted into, e.g., the host devices illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 3 .

In the diagram 600, the pluggable optical module 605 comprises a housing610, and a PCB 615 arranged in the housing 610 and attached to thehousing 610. The pluggable optical module 605 further comprises theblind mate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4 attached to a topside of the PCB 520 along a first end of the PCB 615, and a plurality ofelectrical contacts 425-1, . . . , 425-5 arranged at a bottom side ofthe PCB 615 near the first end.

The pluggable optical module 605 further comprises the plurality oflaser sources 430-1, 430-2, 430-3, 430-4 that receive electrical powerprovided by the host device via one or more of the electrical contacts425-1, . . . , 425-5. As shown, the laser sources 430-1, 430-2 eachinclude multiple laser channels coupled to the blind mate opticalconnector 420-1 via multiple optical fibers, and the laser sources430-3, 430-4 each include multiple laser channels coupled to the blindmate optical connector 420-2 via multiple optical fibers.

The pluggable optical module 405 further comprises a plurality ofelectronic components that are attached to the PCB 615: themicrocontroller 440 and the DC-DC converters 435-1, 435-2, 435-3.

The pluggable optical module 605 further comprises two (2) externaloptical connectors 515-1, 515-2 arranged near a second end of the PCB615 opposite the first end. Additionally, one or more single modeoptical fibers 620 extend between the external optical connectors 515-1and the blind mate optical connector 420-3, and one or more single modeoptical fibers 625 extend between the external optical connector 515-1and the blind mate optical connector 420-4. The pluggable optical module605 may further comprise one or more optical components that areattached to the PCB 615 and that are included in optical paths extendingbetween the one or more external optical connectors 515-1, 515-2 and theblind mate optical connectors 420-1, . . . , 420-4. The one or moreoptical components may provide any suitable optical conditioningfunctionality for the pluggable optical module 605.

Due to its hybrid nature, the pluggable optical module 605 provides thevarious benefits discussed above with respect to the pluggable opticalmodules 405, 505. Further, the integration of the laser sources 430-1,430-2, 430-3, 430-4 in the pluggable optical module 605 with theelectronic components and/or the optical components providing theoptical conditioning functionality permits an even higher density of thefaceplate.

FIGS. 7A and 7B provide views of a network device 702 with multiplepluggable optical modules 740-1, . . . , 740-8, according to one or moreembodiments. More specifically, diagram 700 of FIG. 7A provides a topview of the network device 702 (showing pluggable optical modules 740-1,. . . , 740-4), and diagram 760 of FIG. 7B provides a side view of thenetwork device 702 (showing pluggable optical modules 740-4, 740-8). Thefeatures illustrated in diagrams 700, 760 may be used in conjunctionwith other embodiments. For example, the network device 702 representsone possible implementation of the host devices illustrated in FIGS. 2and 3 .

In the diagram 700, the network device 702 comprises a host PCB 705, anda substrate 710 arranged on the host PCB 705. In some embodiments, thesubstrate 710 comprises a silicon substrate, although otherimplementations of the substrate 710 are also contemplated. Anapplication-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) 715 (e.g., a hostprocessor) and a plurality of photonic dies 720-1, . . . , 720-4 arearranged on the substrate 710. A respective electronic die 725 isarranged on each photonic die 720-1, . . . , 720-4. Each of the ASIC715, the plurality of photonic dies 720-1, . . . , 720-4, and theelectronic dies 725 may provide any suitable functionality forprocessing electrical signals and/or optical signals.

A respective fiber array unit (FAU) 730 is arranged on each photonic die720-1, . . . , 720-4. The FAUs 730 attach to respective optical fibers745-1, . . . , 745-4 and position the optical fibers 745-1, . . . ,745-4 to optically couple with optical waveguides or other opticalcomponents formed in the respective photonic dies 720-1, . . . , 720-4.Each of the optical fibers 745-1, . . . , 745-4 may represent arespective one or more optical fibers, which may be single mode opticalfiber(s) and/or multicore optical fiber(s).

The network device 702 further comprises a plurality of receptacles735-1, . . . , 735-8 that are each configured to receive a respectivepluggable optical module 740-1, . . . , 740-8. In some embodiments, eachof the receptacles 735-1, . . . , 735-8 may be configured as shown inFIG. 2 or 3 and described above. Each of the optical fibers 745-1, . . ., 745-4 extends from the FAUs (730) to a respective receptacle 735-1, .. . , 735-4, such that the pluggable optical modules 740-1, . . . ,740-8 are optically coupled with the photonic dies 720-1, . . . , 720-4.

The pluggable optical modules 740-1, . . . , 740-8 may provide anysuitable functionality, such as a laser module unit as shown in FIGS.4A, 4B, an optical conditioning unit as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, a hybridlaser module and optical conditioning unit as shown in FIG. 6 , and soforth. In some embodiments, each of the pluggable optical modules 740-1,. . . , 740-8 comprises one or more external optical connectors that arearranged at the faceplate 750 when the pluggable optical modules 740-1,. . . , 740-8 are plugged into the respective receptacles 735-1, . . . ,735-8. The external optical connectors may transmit optical signals to,and/or receive optical signals from, one or more external opticaldevices.

In some embodiments, the plurality of receptacles 735-1, . . . , 735-8are arranged at the faceplate 750 (e.g., one or more cages 305 of FIG. 3) to define one or more air intake regions 755 at the faceplate 750. Asshown in the diagram 700, the air intake region 755 is positionedbetween the receptacles 740-2, 740-3, although other positioning is alsocontemplated. In other embodiments, the faceplate 750 need not define anair intake region 755 as large as shown in the diagram 700. In someembodiments, the faceplate 750 may include one or more additionalexternal optical connectors arranged between the receptacles 740-2,740-3 (or elsewhere along the faceplate 750). In one exampleconfiguration, the pluggable optical modules 740-1, . . . , 740-8 may beconfigured as laser module units that provide optical energy to thephotonic dies 720-1, . . . , 720-4. Based on signals received from thehost PCB 705, the ASIC 715, and/or the electronic dies 725, the photonicdies 720-1, . . . , 720-4 provide optical signals (e.g., modulatedsignals) to the additional external optical connectors.

FIGS. 8A-8D illustrate a sequence of assembling and coupling a host-sideconnector assembly with connectors of a pluggable optical module,according to one or more embodiments. The features in diagrams 800, 840,850, 885 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., toassemble the host device shown in FIG. 2 or 3 .

In the diagram 800, a connector 805 is separate from a PCB 835 (e.g.,the host PCB 240 of FIGS. 2, 3 ). In some embodiments, the connector 805comprises a blind mate optical connector. The connector 805 comprises abody 810 that defines a recess 815 from a first lateral surface. Anopening 820 extends from the recess 815, through the body 810, to asecond lateral surface opposite the first lateral surface.

The connector 805 further comprises a horizontal projection 825 thatforms a bottom surface of the connector 805. The horizontal projection825 extends laterally from the first lateral surface. An electricalcontact 830 extends from a top surface of the horizontal projection 825.Although not visible in the diagram 800, one or more additionalelectrical connectors may extend from the top surface of the horizontalprojection 825. In some embodiments, the electrical contact 830 iselastically biased.

In the diagram 840, a bottom surface of the connector 805 is attached toa top surface of the PCB 835 using any suitable techniques. Attachingthe connector 805 to the PCB 835 electrically couples the one or moreelectrical contacts 830 with contacts of the PCB 835 along an electricalinterface 845.

In the diagram 850, a pluggable optical module is inserted into thehost-side connector assembly. On the pluggable optical module, a blindmate optical connector 855 is attached to a top surface of a module PCB865, and an electrical contact 870 is arranged at a bottom surface ofthe module PCB 865. The blind mate optical connector 855 is attached toan optical fiber 860.

A forward edge of the blind mate optical connector 855 is received intothe recess 815 of the connector 805. In some embodiments, the blind mateoptical connector 855 contacts the connector 805 along a connectorinterface 880, which aligns the optical fiber 860 with the opening 820extending through the body 810. The electrical contacts 870 contacts theelectrical contact 830 along an electrical interface 875. In someembodiments, the compliance of the electrical contact 830 accommodatesthe alignment of the connector 805 with the blind mate optical connector855. In some embodiments, the blind mate optical connector 855 may beretained by the connector 805 in the contacting relationship, e.g.,using latch(es) formed in the connector 805, an applied adhesive, and soforth.

In diagram 885, a ferrule 890 is attached to an optical fiber 895. Theferrule 890 is received into the opening 820 and contacts the forwardedge of the blind mate optical connector 855. In other embodiments, oneor more features of the connector 805 (e.g., dimensioning of the opening820) may limit the forward travel of the ferrule 890. In the contactingrelationship, the optical fiber 895 is aligned with the optical fiber860 along the optical axis 899. In some embodiments, the ferrule 890 maybe retained by the connector 805 in the contacting relationship, e.g.,using latch(es) formed in the connector 805, an applied adhesive, and soforth.

Although the sequence of diagrams 850, 885 illustrates the connection ofthe blind mate optical connector 855 to the connector 805 before theconnection of the ferrule 890 to the connector 805, an alternatesequence may connect the ferrule 890 to the connector 805 beforeconnecting the blind mate optical connector 855 to the connector 805.

FIG. 9 illustrates a connector assembly having an opening through anendface, according to one or more embodiments. The features in diagram900 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., to assemblethe host-side connector assembly as shown in FIGS. 8A-8D.

In the diagram 900, an electrical connector 905 has an opening 915through an endface of the electrical connector 905. Although theexternal contour of the electrical connector 905 and the opening 915 aresquare-shaped, alternative shapes are also contemplated. The electricalconnector 905 further comprises a horizontal projection 910. Althoughnot shown, in some embodiments one or more electrical contacts extendfrom a top surface of the horizontal projection 910. The one or moreelectrical contacts may be coupled with electrical contacts of a PCBwhen the electrical connector 905 is attached to the PCB.

An optical connector 920 may operate as a ferrule, defining an opening925 that receives an optical fiber 930. The optical fiber 930 may beattached to the optical connector 920, e.g., using an applied adhesive.The optical connector 920 may be received into the electrical connector905 through the opening 915. Although the optical connector 920 is shownas having a square-shaped external contour, the optical connector 920may have any suitable shaping that corresponds to the contour of theopening 915. The optical connector 920 may be retained in the contactingrelationship with the electrical connector 905 using latches, adhesive,and so forth. The optical fiber 930 may couple with a blind mate opticalconnector (e.g., of a pluggable optical module) through the opening 915.

FIG. 10 illustrates a connector assembly having an I-shaped endface,according to one or more embodiments. The I-shaped endface mayalternately be described as an H-shaped interface. The features indiagram 1000 may be used in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g., toassemble the host-side connector assembly as shown in FIGS. 8A-8D.

In the diagram 1000, an electrical connector 1005 has an I-shapedendface and defines openings 1010-1, 1010-2. The electrical connector1005 further comprises a horizontal projection 1015. Although not shown,one or more electrical connectors may extend from a top surface of thehorizontal projection 1015. The one or more electrical connectors may becoupled with electrical contacts of a PCB when the electrical connector1005 is attached to the PCB.

An optical connector 1020 may operate as one or more ferrules for one ormore optical fibers, and as shown, the optical connector 1020 definesopenings 1025-1, 1025-2 that receive respective optical fibers 1030-1,1030-2. The optical fibers 1030-1, 1030-2 may be attached to the opticalconnector 1020, e.g., using an applied adhesive. As shown, the opticalconnector 1020 is U-shaped and is received through the openings 1010-1,1010-2 (i.e., received around the web of the electrical connector 1005).The optical connector 1020 may be retained in the contactingrelationship with the electrical connector 1005 using latches, adhesive,and so forth. The optical fibers 1030-1, 1030-2 may couple with a blindmate optical connector (e.g., of a pluggable optical module) around theI-shaped endface.

Other implementations of the electrical connectors 905, 1005 and theoptical connectors 920, 1020 are also contemplated. In some embodiments,the optical connectors 920, 1020 include electrical contacts that couplewith corresponding electrical contacts of the electrical connectors 905,1005 when the optical connectors 920, 1020 are received. For example,the optical connectors 920, 1020 may include electrical contacts alongouter surface(s) of the optical connectors 920, 1020 that couple withelectrical contacts of the electrical connectors 905, 1005 exposed atthe openings 915, 1010-1, 1010-2. Thus, the electrical contacts of theoptical connectors 920, 1020 may be coupled, through the electricalconnectors 905, 1005, with electrical contacts of a PCB or of a blindmate optical connector.

In the current disclosure, reference is made to various embodiments.However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to specificdescribed embodiments. Instead, any combination of the describedfeatures and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not,is contemplated to implement and practice contemplated embodiments.Additionally, when elements of the embodiments are described in the formof “at least one of A and B,” it will be understood that embodimentsincluding element A exclusively, including element B exclusively, andincluding element A and B are each contemplated. Furthermore, althoughsome embodiments disclosed herein may achieve advantages over otherpossible solutions or over the prior art, whether or not a particularadvantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the scopeof the present disclosure. Thus, the aspects, features, embodiments andadvantages disclosed herein are merely illustrative and are notconsidered elements or limitations of the appended claims except whereexplicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the invention”shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subjectmatter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element orlimitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in aclaim(s).

As will be appreciated by one skilled in the art, the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be embodied as a system, method or computer programproduct. Accordingly, embodiments may take the form of an entirelyhardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (includingfirmware, resident software, micro-code, etc.) or an embodimentcombining software and hardware aspects that may all generally bereferred to herein as a “circuit,” “module” or “system.” Furthermore,embodiments may take the form of a computer program product embodied inone or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable programcode embodied thereon.

Program code embodied on a computer readable medium may be transmittedusing any appropriate medium, including but not limited to wireless,wireline, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination ofthe foregoing.

Computer program code for carrying out operations for embodiments of thepresent disclosure may be written in any combination of one or moreprogramming languages, including an object oriented programming languagesuch as Java, Smalltalk, C++ or the like and conventional proceduralprogramming languages, such as the “C” programming language or similarprogramming languages. The program code may execute entirely on theuser's computer, partly on the user's computer, as a stand-alonesoftware package, partly on the user's computer and partly on a remotecomputer or entirely on the remote computer or server. In the latterscenario, the remote computer may be connected to the user's computerthrough any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or awide area network (WAN), or the connection may be made to an externalcomputer (for example, through the Internet using an Internet ServiceProvider).

Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein with reference toflowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams of methods, apparatuses(systems), and computer program products according to embodimentspresented in this disclosure. It will be understood that each block ofthe flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, and combinations ofblocks in the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams, can beimplemented by computer program instructions. These computer programinstructions may be provided to a processor of a general purposecomputer, special purpose computer, or other programmable dataprocessing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions,which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmabledata processing apparatus, create means for implementing thefunctions/acts specified in the block(s) of the flowchart illustrationsand/or block diagrams.

These computer program instructions may also be stored in a computerreadable medium that can direct a computer, other programmable dataprocessing apparatus, or other device to function in a particularmanner, such that the instructions stored in the computer readablemedium produce an article of manufacture including instructions whichimplement the function/act specified in the block(s) of the flowchartillustrations and/or block diagrams.

The computer program instructions may also be loaded onto a computer,other programmable data processing apparatus, or other device to cause aseries of operational steps to be performed on the computer, otherprogrammable apparatus or other device to produce a computer implementedprocess such that the instructions which execute on the computer, otherprogrammable data processing apparatus, or other device provideprocesses for implementing the functions/acts specified in the block(s)of the flowchart illustrations and/or block diagrams.

The flowchart illustrations and block diagrams in the Figures illustratethe architecture, functionality, and operation of possibleimplementations of systems, methods, and computer program productsaccording to various embodiments. In this regard, each block in theflowchart illustrations or block diagrams may represent a module,segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executableinstructions for implementing the specified logical function(s). Itshould also be noted that, in some alternative implementations, thefunctions noted in the block may occur out of the order noted in theFigures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, beexecuted substantially concurrently, or the blocks may sometimes beexecuted in the reverse order, depending upon the functionalityinvolved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagramsand/or flowchart illustrations, and combinations of blocks in the blockdiagrams and/or flowchart illustrations, can be implemented by specialpurpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions oracts, or combinations of special purpose hardware and computerinstructions.

In view of the foregoing, the scope of the present disclosure isdetermined by the claims that follow.

We claim:
 1. A pluggable optical device comprising: a housing; a printedcircuit board (PCB) within the housing; one or more blind mate opticalconnectors attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB; one or moreelectrical contacts of the PCB near the first end; one or more externaloptical connectors arranged near a second end of the PCB opposite thefirst end; and one or more optical components attached to the PCB andincluded in optical paths extending between the one or more externaloptical connectors and the one or more blind mate optical connectors. 2.The pluggable optical device of claim 1, wherein the one or more blindmate optical connectors are attached to a top side of the PCB, andwherein the one or more electrical contacts are arranged at a bottomside of the PCB.
 3. The pluggable optical device of claim 2, wherein theone or more electrical contacts comprise an edge connector configured tocouple with elastically-biased contacts of a host device.
 4. Thepluggable optical device of claim 1, wherein one or more externaloptical connectors comprise two external optical connectors in a stackedconfiguration.
 5. The pluggable optical device of claim 1, wherein theone or more optical components comprise a fanout device, the pluggableoptical device further comprising: a plurality of single mode opticalfibers that couples the fanout device with a first connector of the oneor more external optical connectors; and a multicore optical fiber thatcouples the fanout device with a second connector of the one or moreblind mate optical connectors.
 6. The pluggable optical device of claim1, further comprising: one or more remote laser sources coupled with atleast one connector of the one or more blind mate optical connectors. 7.The pluggable optical device of claim 1, wherein the one or more opticalcomponents comprise: one or more active optical components that receiveelectrical power via the one or more electrical contacts; or one or morepassive optical components.
 8. The pluggable optical device of claim 7,wherein the one or more active optical components or one or more passiveoptical components comprise one or more of: an optical amplifier; anoptical attenuator; an optical filter; an optical dispersion controller;an optical multiplexer; an optical demultiplexer; an optical switch; andan optical repeater.
 9. An optical system comprising: a printed circuitboard (PCB); a photonic integrated circuit (IC) attached to the PCB; acage attached to the PCB along a first end of the PCB, wherein the cageis configured to receive a pluggable optical device; and a connectorassembly configured to, when the pluggable optical device is received inthe cage: couple with a plurality of blind mate optical connectorsarranged along a second end of a pluggable optical device, wherein oneor more optical components of the pluggable optical device are coupledwith the photonic IC; and couple with one or more electrical contactsarranged near the second end.
 10. The optical system of claim 9, furthercomprising: one or more optical fibers that couple the connectorassembly with the photonic IC.
 11. The optical system of claim 10,further comprising: a fiber array unit that arranges the one or moreoptical fibers to couple with the photonic IC.
 12. The optical system ofclaim 9, wherein the cage is configured to receive two pluggable opticaldevices in a stacked configuration.
 13. The optical system of claim 12,further comprising: one or more heat sinks attached to the cage andconfigured to thermally couple with the two pluggable optical devices.14. The optical system of claim 9, wherein the connector assemblycomprises: an electrical connector attached to the cage and having anopening through an endface; and an optical connector configured tocouple, through the opening, with a first blind mate optical connectorof the plurality of blind mate optical connectors.
 15. The opticalsystem of claim 9, wherein the connector assembly comprises: anelectrical connector attached to the cage and having an I-shapedendface; and an optical connector configured to couple, around theI-shaped endface, with a first blind mate optical connector of theplurality of blind mate optical connectors.
 16. The optical system ofclaim 9, wherein the cage is one of a plurality of cages attached to thePCB along the first end, the optical system further comprising: afaceplate at the first end, wherein each cage of the plurality of cagesis configured to receive one or more pluggable optical devices throughthe faceplate, wherein the plurality of cages are arranged at thefaceplate to define one or more air intake regions at the faceplate. 17.The optical system of claim 9, wherein the pluggable optical devicefurther comprises: one or more remote laser sources coupled with atleast one connector of the plurality of blind mate optical connectors,wherein the one or more remote laser sources receive electrical powervia the one or more electrical contacts.
 18. The optical system of claim9, wherein the pluggable optical device further comprises: one or moreexternal optical connectors arranged near a third end of the pluggableoptical device opposite the second end; and one or more opticalcomponents included in optical paths extending between the one or moreexternal optical connectors and the plurality of blind mate opticalconnectors.
 19. The optical system of claim 18, wherein the one or moreoptical components comprise a fanout device, the pluggable opticaldevice further comprising: a plurality of single mode optical fibersthat couples the fanout device with a first connector of the one or moreexternal optical connectors; and a multicore optical fiber that couplesthe fanout device with a second connector of the plurality of blind mateoptical connectors.
 20. The optical system of claim 18, wherein the oneor more optical components comprise one or more active opticalcomponents that receive electrical power via the one or more electricalcontacts.